Hidalgo County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Hidalgo County?

Public records in Hidalgo County encompass a wide range of official documents maintained by various county departments for public access pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (formerly known as the Open Records Act), Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code. These records serve as the official documentation of government activities and transactions within the county jurisdiction. The following categories of public records are maintained and accessible through Hidalgo County offices:

Property records including deeds, mortgages, liens, and property tax information
Vital records such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses
Court records including civil, criminal, probate, and family court proceedings
Business records including assumed name certificates (DBA) and UCC filings
Election records including voter registration data and election results
County Commissioner's Court minutes and agendas
County budget and financial records
Public health records and statistics
Land records including plats, surveys, and easements
Tax assessment and collection records
Building permits and code enforcement records
Professional licenses issued by the county
Environmental records and reports
County contracts and procurement documents

These records are maintained by various departments including the County Clerk's Office, District Clerk, Tax Assessor-Collector, Health Department, and other county agencies in accordance with state retention schedules.

Is Hidalgo County an Open Records County?

Hidalgo County operates as an open records county in compliance with the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), codified under Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code. This statute establishes the fundamental principle that all government information is presumed to be available to the public. According to § 552.021 of the Texas Government Code, "Public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body."

The Hidalgo County Commissioners Court has formally adopted policies that affirm the county's commitment to transparency and open government. As stated in the county's Public Information Policy, "Hidalgo County is committed to providing access to public information in accordance with state law and promoting transparency in county operations."

The Texas Attorney General's Office, which oversees compliance with the TPIA, has confirmed that Hidalgo County maintains appropriate procedures for responding to public information requests. County departments are required to respond promptly to requests, with the law specifying that responses must be provided "promptly" or within 10 business days if immediate production is not possible.

Hidalgo County's status as an open records county is further evidenced by its implementation of online access portals for many public records and the designation of public information officers within county departments to facilitate records requests from citizens, journalists, and other interested parties.

How Do I Find Public Records in Hidalgo County in 2025

Members of the public seeking access to Hidalgo County records in 2025 may utilize several established methods to locate and obtain public information. The county has implemented a multi-channel approach to facilitate public access to government records:

Online Access Portal: The Hidalgo County Public Records Portal serves as the primary digital gateway for accessing many county records. Users may search for documents by name, date, document type, or other relevant criteria.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county department during regular business hours to request records in person. The specific department varies based on record type:
- Property and vital records: County Clerk's Office
- Court records: District Clerk or appropriate court
- Tax records: Tax Assessor-Collector's Office
- Health records: Health and Human Services Department
Written Requests: Public information requests may be submitted in writing to the relevant department. Pursuant to § 552.301 of the Texas Government Code, requests should be specific regarding the information sought.
Specialized Databases: The Hidalgo County GIS & Property Lookup provides access to property information, maps, and appraisal data.
Departmental Websites: Many departments maintain sections on the county website where commonly requested records are published proactively.

For assistance with locating specific records, members of the public may contact the County Clerk's Office at (956) 318-2100 or visit their office at 100 N. Closner Blvd., Edinburg, TX 78539. The Public Information Officer for Hidalgo County can provide guidance on complex records requests or when the appropriate custodial department is unclear.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Hidalgo County?

Fees for public records in Hidalgo County are established in accordance with § 552.261 of the Texas Government Code, which permits governmental bodies to charge reasonable fees for the cost of providing public information. The fee structure for Hidalgo County records is as follows:

Standard Paper Copies: $0.10 per page for standard letter or legal size copies
Certified Copies: $5.00 for the first page plus $0.10 for each additional page
Birth Certificates: $23.00 per certified copy
Death Certificates: $21.00 for the first copy, $4.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
Marriage Licenses: $82.00 to issue; $20.00 per certified copy
Deed Records: $26.00 for the first page, $4.00 for each additional page
Court Records: Varies by court and document type; typically $1.00 per page for copies, $5.00 for certified copies
Maps and Plats: $3.00 for standard size; large format maps $10.00-$25.00 depending on size
Electronic Records: $0.10 per page for PDFs; $1.00 per CD/DVD for electronic media
Personnel Time: $15.00 per hour for requests requiring more than 50 pages or extensive programming/manipulation

Pursuant to § 552.267 of the Texas Government Code, a waiver or reduction of fees may be granted if the governmental body determines that providing the information primarily benefits the general public. Additionally, § 552.275 allows the county to waive fees when the cost of collecting the fee exceeds the amount of the fee.

Payment methods accepted include cash, check, money order, and credit card (with a 2.5% convenience fee) at most county offices. Some departments may require payment in advance for requests exceeding $40.00.

Does Hidalgo County Have Free Public Records?

Hidalgo County provides certain public records at no cost to requestors in accordance with Texas state law and county policy. The following records and services are available without charge:

Online Records Portal: Basic searches and viewing of certain documents on the Hidalgo County Public Records Portal are provided at no cost, though downloading or printing may incur fees.
County Commissioner's Court Agendas and Minutes: These documents are freely available on the Hidalgo County website.
Election Results and Voter Information: Basic election data is provided at no cost through the Elections Department.
Public Notices and Announcements: Official county notices are published online at no charge.
County Budget Documents: Annual budgets and financial reports are available for public inspection without fee.
Small Records Requests: Pursuant to § 552.261(a) of the Texas Government Code, Hidalgo County waives charges for requests that result in fewer than 50 pages of paper records, unless the documents are located in two or more separate buildings or remote storage facilities.
Law Library Access: The Hidalgo County Law Library provides free public access to legal resources and certain public records during regular business hours at 100 N. Closner Blvd., Edinburg, TX 78539.
Self-Service Terminals: Public access computers are available at various county offices for searching records without charge, though printing fees may apply.

Additionally, the Texas Department of State Health Services provides certain statistical health data for Hidalgo County at no cost through their online portal.

Who Can Request Public Records In Hidalgo County?

The right to request public records in Hidalgo County extends to all persons regardless of citizenship or residency status, in accordance with § 552.223 of the Texas Government Code. The following entities may submit public information requests:

Any individual person, regardless of age, citizenship, or residency status
Business entities including corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships
Non-profit organizations and charitable institutions
Educational institutions and researchers
Media organizations and journalists
Government agencies and officials from other jurisdictions
Legal representatives acting on behalf of clients
Incarcerated individuals (with certain limitations pursuant to § 552.028)

The Texas Public Information Act does not require requestors to provide identification, state a reason for requesting information, or explain the intended use of the information. As specified in § 552.222, a governmental body may ask for clarification or discussion of a request but cannot inquire into the purpose for which information will be used.

Requestors must submit their requests in writing, which may include electronic communication such as email. The request must be addressed to the appropriate records custodian and should reasonably identify the records sought. While anonymous requests are permitted, providing contact information is necessary for the county to respond with the requested information or any applicable fees.

What Records Are Confidential In Hidalgo County?

Certain records maintained by Hidalgo County are classified as confidential and exempt from public disclosure pursuant to various provisions of Texas law. These protected records include:

Juvenile Records: Information pertaining to juvenile offenders is confidential under § 58.008 of the Texas Family Code, with limited exceptions for law enforcement and educational purposes.
Medical and Mental Health Records: Personal health information is protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Social Security Numbers: Personal identifiers including Social Security numbers are redacted from public records pursuant to § 552.147 of the Texas Government Code.
Victim Information: Identifying information of crime victims, particularly in cases involving sexual assault, family violence, or human trafficking, is confidential under § 552.1325.
Child Welfare Records: Information regarding Child Protective Services investigations and proceedings is confidential under § 261.201 of the Texas Family Code.
Active Criminal Investigations: Information that would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime is exempt under § 552.108.
Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and communications between the county and its attorneys are privileged under § 552.107.
Certain Personnel Information: Home addresses, telephone numbers, emergency contact information, and family information of county employees may be withheld under § 552.117 and § 552.1175.
Critical Infrastructure Information: Details about security systems, infrastructure vulnerabilities, or emergency response plans are protected under § 552.139.
Economic Development Negotiations: Information related to ongoing economic development negotiations may be temporarily confidential under § 552.131.
Certain Election Records: Voter registration information containing confidential data is protected under § 13.004 of the Texas Election Code.

When a request includes confidential information, Hidalgo County must withhold such information or seek a determination from the Texas Attorney General's Office within 10 business days of receiving the request.

Hidalgo County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

The Hidalgo County Clerk's Office serves as the official recorder for the county, maintaining vital records, property documents, and other public filings. The office provides essential recording services to residents and businesses throughout Hidalgo County.

Hidalgo County Clerk's Office
100 N. Closner Blvd., 1st Floor
Edinburg, TX 78539
(956) 318-2100
Hidalgo County Clerk

Public Counter Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Branch Offices:

Hidalgo County Clerk - McAllen Branch
10th Floor, Hidalgo County Courthouse Annex III
100 E. Cano St.
McAllen, TX 78501
(956) 318-2100

Hidalgo County Clerk - Mission Branch
700 N. Bryan Rd.
Mission, TX 78572
(956) 318-2100

Services Provided:

Recording of deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property documents
Issuance of marriage licenses
Filing of assumed name certificates (DBA)
Maintenance of birth and death records
Probate court records
County court records
Commissioners Court minutes
Military discharge records (DD-214)
Notary public registrations
Alcoholic beverage permits

The County Clerk's Office accepts document recordings in person, by mail, and through electronic submission for certain document types. Recording fees vary by document type and length, with standard fees established by the Texas Local Government Code § 118.011.